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Rogers wants Test cricket recall

Roger Vaughan

Victorian opener Chris Rogers has challenged the Australian selectors to reward his strong form this summer with a second shot at Test cricket.

The 35-year-old left hander moved past Sir Donald Bradman to 16th on the all-time Sheffield Shield runs list and boosted his first-class average above 50 with Tuesday's 101 against Queensland at the MCG.

Victoria were 3-212 at stumps on a rain-shortened second day in reply to the Bulls' first innings 322.

Michael Hill was 64 and Cameron White had made 22.

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Rogers made four and 15 when he opened for Australia against India at the WACA, then his home ground, in early 2008.

He said the selectors should look at the present, not the future, when picking the Test team.

"I think I've probably shown that I'm one of the best batsmen in the (Shield) competition," said Rogers, who has played for Victoria since the 2008-09 season.

"If we're picking the best Australian side, we should pick the best side and not guys who are going to be good players in three-four years' time.

"I still think I'm as good a player as I've ever been and I'm not giving up hope - and what more can I do?

"That's 13 (Shield tons) for Victoria, still one in every four games and I don't think there are many people who can say they do that."

Rogers boosted his first-class average to 50.04 and became the first batsman this summer to score three Shield tons with Tuesday's knock.

Queensland, depleted by player injuries, dismissed Rogers and David Hussey (four) late in the day to keep them in the contest.

Cameron Gannon took a great diving catch off the bowling of captain James Hopes to end Rogers' careful knock, which featured eight fours from 206 balls.

Paceman Matthew Gale had to be helped from the field when he injured his knee while fielding and Nathan Reardon also spent time in the rooms.

Their absence meant assistant coach Justin Sternes fielded and even head coach Darren Lehmann was on standby in his whites.

Play will start a half hour early on Wednesday in an effort to make up time.

Even though the MCG lights were on, play was stopped 12 overs early on Tuesday because of the dim conditions.